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The subjunctive
The subjunctive is used rarely. One finds vestiges of it in a few hypothetical expressions (using "if + to be")
and in a few set phrases.
(In many cases the subjunctive considered archaic or literary is replaced by the modal "would," used to
express the conditional.)
Other meanings often communicated by the subjunctive in other languages will be expressed by modal verbs
in English.
> In constructions using "if + to be", one should use "were" (instead of "was") with the first and third persons
singular ("I" and "he," "she," or "it"). (In spoken English, and in much informal writing, "was" will still be
used.)
If I were Muriel, I'd never go back there.
If she were alone, I'd stop by to see her.
He acts as if he were crazy.
TEST
Build a sentence with one part from column A and one part from column B. The sentence must be logical.
eg: If she had time, she would visit you.
A
ANSWERS a1. If she had time, she would visit you. b3. If John didn't know this beautiful girl, he wouldn't invite her out. c6. If they spent
too much time on the beach, they would get sunburnt. d2. If Betty liked exotic food, she wouldn't eat at McDonald's every day. e7. If there was
enough snow, you would go skiing. f5. If you travelled by bus, it would be cheaper. g4. If I had your address, I would send you a postcard.